Residential : House Builders & Developers News
Chalegrove Properties unveils new duplex penthouses at One Thames Quay

Chalegrove Properties unveils new duplex penthouses at One Thames Quay

Chalegrove Properties (CPL) has revealed two new duplex penthouses at One Thames Quay, the recently completed residential landmark on South Quay in Canary Wharf. Positioned on the 47th and 48th floors, the penthouses—named The Merchant and The Mariner—take inspiration from the Docklands’ maritime heritage and offer expansive views across London’s

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Arada to acquire majority stake in £2.5bn Thameside West development

Arada to acquire majority stake in £2.5bn Thameside West development

Unlocking one of London’s largest and most connected new waterfront neighbourhoods… Arada, the UAE’s fastest-growing master developer, announces that it has agreed the acquisition of an 80% stake in Thameside West, a landmark waterfront mixed-use development located at the western end of London’s Royal Docks. Master-planned by Foster + Partners,

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Twin towers approved for Liverpool waterfront gateway

Twin towers approved for Liverpool waterfront gateway

Packaged Living has secured planning consent for a landmark two-tower development overlooking Liverpool’s waterfront, unlocking 434 new homes and extensive resident amenities on the site of the former Littlewoods computer centre. Rising to 19 and 25 storeys, the buildings will form a prominent gateway on the approach to the city’s

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PLATFORM_ & HGP Celebrate Topping Out at Sweetfields, Leeds

PLATFORM_ & HGP Celebrate Topping Out at Sweetfields, Leeds

PLATFORM_, in partnership with the Lloyds-backed equity investor Housing Growth Partnership (HGP), has marked the topping out of its landmark 451-home Build to Rent (BTR) development at Sweetfields, Leeds. The milestone represents significant progress in delivering high-quality, professionally managed rental homes to the South Bank Regeneration area to meet growing demand in the city.

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£250m Beckton Clean-Up to Kickstart New Riverside Neighbourhood

£250m Beckton Clean-Up to Kickstart New Riverside Neighbourhood

A major regeneration scheme in East London has taken a decisive step forward after Berkeley Group secured full planning consent for a £250 million clean-up of the former Beckton gasworks site. The investment, led by its St William business, will pave the way for the delivery of 2,900 new homes

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Latest Issue
Issue 334 : Nov 2025

Residential : House Builders & Developers News

Henry Boot Construction appointed to deliver new energy-efficient homes in Chesterfield

Henry Boot Construction appointed to deliver new energy-efficient homes in Chesterfield

Henry Boot Construction has been appointed by Chesterfield Borough Council to deliver 18 brand-new energy-efficient homes in Mastin Moor, marking a key step in the council’s commitment to expanding its affordable housing supply. Work is now underway on site. This project marks one of the first housing developments to be supported by the East Midlands Combined County Authority’s (EMCCA) Brownfield Housing Fund. This initiative, funded by the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government and delivered in partnership with Homes England, will unlock stalled residential developments and breathe new life into under-used land across the region. The development will see 13 new council homes built on Miller Avenue, whilst a further five houses will also be constructed on Edale Road. In total, Henry Boot Construction will deliver seven four-bedroom homes and eleven two-bedroom homes, all allocated to families on the council’s housing register. Each home is designed to achieve A-rated energy performance, with sustainability measures built in from the start of construction. Solar PV panels and air-source heat pumps will be installed across all plots, helping reduce running costs for future tenants and reducing carbon emissions across the borough. External works will provide private gardens and off-road parking for residents, while both locations are situated close to public transport routes for easy access to local services. Additional environmental features include bat and bird boxes on every plot and electric vehicle charging points. Mat Clarke, Head of Construction at Henry Boot Construction, said: “We’re proud to be supporting Chesterfield Borough Council in its mission to deliver affordable, energy-efficient homes for families across the borough. “It’s great for us to be back in Chesterfield after recently working with the council on its largest housing development in decades at Badger Croft, and we’re delighted to continue playing our part in increasing the local housing supply.” Councillor Jean Innes, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for housing, said: “As a council, we remain committed to increasing the supply of affordable housing for local people and this latest project is helping us to achieve this. “We are really pleased that EMCCA has allocated part of its Brownfield Housing Fund to help deliver this project that will provide much needed homes for local families. We look forward to working with EMCCA and Henry Boot Construction and watching the project progress. “With the cost of living continuing to rise, we know how important it is to our tenants to keep homes warm but energy costs down, so we’re really pleased to be delivering new properties with the top energy efficiency rating.” To mark the start of the project, Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, joined the Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, Councillor Tricia Gilby, and the council’s cabinet member for housing, Councillor Jean Innes for a site visit hosted by Henry Boot Construction. Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, said: “This project is a powerful example of how we’re turning our vision for inclusive growth into reality. Through the Brownfield Housing Fund, we’re creating high-quality, affordable homes that meet the needs of local families while supporting greener, more sustainable communities. By investing in places like Mastin Moor, we’re making the East Midlands a region that everyone is proud to call home.” EMCCA has secured a devolved allocation of Brownfield Housing Fund investment from the UK Government to support the delivery of housing on brownfield sites in the East Midlands. The funding commitment will deliver more than 2,000 high-quality homes, supporting Mayor Claire Ward’s ambition to build 100,000 new homes in the region by 2035. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Chalegrove Properties unveils new duplex penthouses at One Thames Quay

Chalegrove Properties unveils new duplex penthouses at One Thames Quay

Chalegrove Properties (CPL) has revealed two new duplex penthouses at One Thames Quay, the recently completed residential landmark on South Quay in Canary Wharf. Positioned on the 47th and 48th floors, the penthouses—named The Merchant and The Mariner—take inspiration from the Docklands’ maritime heritage and offer expansive views across London’s skyline. The two homes have been designed to reflect the landscape and character of their surroundings. Both feature double-height balconies and floor-to-ceiling glazing that frame views across Canary Wharf, the River Thames and the wider city. Inside, the residences include refined herringbone flooring, contemporary integrated kitchens and energy-efficient heating and cooling systems. Facing Canary Wharf is The Merchant, a fully dressed penthouse now open for private viewings. Its design draws on the area’s transformation from an 1800s trade hub handling goods such as sugar and spices into the global business district it is today. Split across two levels, the home features an open-plan kitchen, living and dining area with a corner balcony on the lower floor, and two en-suite bedrooms arranged on the upper floor in a calm, neutral palette that mirrors the surrounding towers. The Mariner, an east-facing apartment, offers sweeping views over the O2 Arena, the Greenwich Peninsula and the Thames as it curves toward the sea. Designed with subtle nautical influences and blue and bronze accents, this light-filled home features two generous bedroom suites, a bright open-plan living space and a private balcony. Residents of One Thames Quay also have access to the newly completed lifestyle amenities located just below the penthouses. These include a 5,795 sq ft indoor–outdoor garden space, a sky lounge and bar, co-working areas, a private dining room and a sky gym fitted with Technogym equipment. Further facilities on the second floor include a canopy garden, children’s play area, a bookable bowling alley, games room and media lounge. Rami Atallah, Director at Chalegrove Properties, said the penthouses represent the most exclusive homes within the development, combining panoramic views with high-quality facilities and sustainable design principles. Each residence incorporates integrated zero-fossil-fuel heating and cooling, triple glazing and rainwater harvesting systems to support long-term energy efficiency. Residents also benefit from a five-star concierge service, 24-hour security and secure parcel management. Situated moments from the shops, restaurants and leisure offerings of Wood Wharf and the wider Canary Wharf estate, One Thames Quay is well connected, with the DLR, Underground and Elizabeth Line all within walking distance. Travel to key locations across London—including Heathrow and London City Airport—is achievable in under 40 minutes. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Arada to acquire majority stake in £2.5bn Thameside West development

Arada to acquire majority stake in £2.5bn Thameside West development

Unlocking one of London’s largest and most connected new waterfront neighbourhoods… Arada, the UAE’s fastest-growing master developer, announces that it has agreed the acquisition of an 80% stake in Thameside West, a landmark waterfront mixed-use development located at the western end of London’s Royal Docks. Master-planned by Foster + Partners, the vibrant new urban destination will deliver at least 5,000 homes, with half of the site dedicated to green space and a kilometre of active waterfront. Boasting unrivalled transport links, the integration of air, road, rail, river and tunnel links makes this one of the most connected sites in London. Spread over a 47-acre area – twice the size of the Hudson Yards mixed-use development in New York – Thameside West represents one of Europe’s largest and most strategically important regeneration opportunities, with a Gross Development Value (GDV) of £2.5 billion. It occupies central London’s longest stretch of undeveloped riverfront, with views across Canary Wharf and Greenwich Peninsula. Already awarded consent, Thameside West will see 1,000 homes delivered in the first stage of the project, with construction set to begin in 2027. The acquisition from private developer Keystone represents Arada’s second large-scale investment in the London residential market in the space of less than two months, following its purchase of local developer Regal in September. Arada will work alongside the London Borough of Newham, Greater London Authority and Transport for London to transform this former industrial site into a vibrant, new neighbourhood. Keystone’s vision and sustained commitment have been instrumental in progressing Thameside West to this stage, laying the foundations for one of London’s most ambitious masterplans. GLA Land and Property Limited (“GLAP”), as the other major landowner, will work closely with Arada to unlock this significant project. Thameside West is one of the most well-connected sites in London and benefits from the recently completed Silvertown Tunnel, Custom House station (Elizabeth, Jubilee and Docklands Light Railway (DLR) lines), City Airport, and the IFS Cable Car. The site also connects the Lea Valley Regeneration Area and the wider Royal Docks, and Arada aims to additionally deliver a new DLR station, in partnership with Transport for London. His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Chairman of Arada, said: “Our entry into this market was grounded in our unwavering faith in London and its attractiveness as one of the world’s leading capital cities.  At the time of the Regal acquisition, we articulated our ambition to scale our London residential pipeline to 30,000 units over the next three years, and we have swiftly delivered on growing that pipeline. Thameside West represents a unique opportunity to create a landmark riverside development, and we look forward to working with our partners and utilising our long-standing track record in large-scale, amenity rich residential schemes to unlock the delivery of new housing for London.” Tom Copley, Deputy Mayor for Housing and Residential Development said: “I am delighted that Arada is investing in London to transform Thameside West – one of the key sites within the Royal Docks. This really is a fantastic example of how we can unlock London’s potential to deliver the homes our city so urgently needs. “Working together we will be able to deliver at least 5,000 new homes, 35 per cent of which will be affordable as part of a thriving new neighbourhood in the heart of this historic part of East London. “This is a landmark moment as we continue to push ahead with our plans to return the Royal Docks to its former glory and create a better, fairer, greener London for everyone.”  Lord Norman Foster of Thamesbank, Founder and Executive Chairman of Foster + Partners, said: “Thameside West is a place where architecture, nature and infrastructure come together in balance. The stepped design ensures exceptional views from every building, while the integration of air, road, rail, river and tunnel links makes this one of the most connected sites in London. Half the master plan is dedicated to green space, including more than a thousand trees and a kilometre of active waterfront, creating a setting that is both restorative and dynamic. Our goal is to build a truly inclusive community – one that brings opportunity, sustainability and vitality to the heart of London.” Giorgio L. Laurenti, Chairman of Keystone, said: “One of the most significant development opportunities in Greater London, Thameside West is a transformational destination designed to deliver thousands of new homes while generating substantial economic and social value for the wider community. With Arada, we have found an ideal and trusted partner, with tried-and-tested experience in large-scale urban mixed-use districts, to work with as we move closer to bringing this landmark project to life.” The acquisition of Thameside West increases Arada’s London development pipeline to 15,000 homes, supporting its ambition to triple this to 30,000 units over the next three years, building on a 30-year track record in the capital’s real estate market. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Twin towers approved for Liverpool waterfront gateway

Twin towers approved for Liverpool waterfront gateway

Packaged Living has secured planning consent for a landmark two-tower development overlooking Liverpool’s waterfront, unlocking 434 new homes and extensive resident amenities on the site of the former Littlewoods computer centre. Rising to 19 and 25 storeys, the buildings will form a prominent gateway on the approach to the city’s commercial core. The scheme will deliver purpose-built homes for the private rented sector alongside shared facilities, with new public realm designed to improve permeability across the site and strengthen connections towards the Bramley-Moore Dock stadium. Demolition of the redundant computer centre is expected to begin early next year. Main construction is anticipated to start in early 2027, with a principal contractor yet to be appointed. The approved plans follow a period of public consultation, during which design revisions focused on townscape, active frontages at ground level and improved pedestrian links through the site. Development manager Edwina Coward said the project reflects a collaborative approach with the local community: “We’re excited to be bringing forward a landmark development at this prominent gateway site and we’re so pleased to be able to provide more homes and public realm for this great city. An extensive public consultation unlocked the wisdom of the Liverpool public and we were delighted at the quality of people’s ideas and observations about how we could improve the scheme and connectivity towards the new Bramley-Moore Dock stadium and everything in between. The outcome is very much a shared vision.” Architect Adam Hall of Falconer Chester Hall added that the composition is intended to anchor a cluster of taller buildings: “The buildings offer an elegant and confident entrance statement to the city’s commercial core in an area that delivers on the potential of clustering taller buildings. The views north towards Everton’s new stadium, Blackpool Tower and the Lake District fells beyond will take some beating.” With consent secured, the team will move into procurement and technical design ahead of enabling works. The project is expected to contribute to Liverpool’s supply of high-quality city living while supporting local employment during construction and enhancing the waterfront approach with new public spaces and improved connectivity. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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PLATFORM_ & HGP Celebrate Topping Out at Sweetfields, Leeds

PLATFORM_ & HGP Celebrate Topping Out at Sweetfields, Leeds

PLATFORM_, in partnership with the Lloyds-backed equity investor Housing Growth Partnership (HGP), has marked the topping out of its landmark 451-home Build to Rent (BTR) development at Sweetfields, Leeds. The milestone represents significant progress in delivering high-quality, professionally managed rental homes to the South Bank Regeneration area to meet growing demand in the city. Constructed by main contractor Winvic Construction Ltd, the scheme is set to deliver a collection of studios, one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments designed specifically for renters, offering residents high levels of amenity, energy efficiency, and professional management synonymous with the PLATFORM_ brand. This first phase is a part of the larger Sweetfields neighbourhood which will include the reinstatement of The Commercial Inn, the launch of a new Asda Express, and a new central square amongst extensive landscaping. “The topping out of our first building at Sweetfields marks a major step forward in our ambition to deliver high-quality, sustainable rental homes alongside thoughtful amenities like a convenience store, a pub and new fully landscaped public spaces to create a new neighbourhood” said Jean–MarcVandevivere, Chief Executive at PLATFORM_. “We’re proud to be working alongside our partners at HGP and Winvic to bring this transformative scheme to life and support the wider regeneration of South Bank in Leeds.” “HGP is committed to supporting the delivery of quality new homes with long term equity investment, to address the continuing shortage of supply,” said Colin Bennett, Investment Director at Housing Growth Partnership. “Sweetfields is a fantastic example of Build to Rent investment creating new housing choice and regenerating urban areas.” “Reaching this stage is a testament to the skill, dedication and collaboration of the entire project team,” said Mark Jones, Managing Director for Multi-Room at Winvic. “Sweetfields showcases the best of Build to Rent design and delivery, combining quality construction, modern living standards, and community-focused design. We are proud to be delivering this landmark development bringing much-needed homes to residents in Leeds while creating benefits for the local community.” A New Chapter for Leeds’ Rental Market Once complete, Sweetfields will deliver over 1,350 contemporary apartments across four buildings, complemented by landscaped public areas, on-site amenities, and sustainable design features. The development has been designed to meet the evolving needs of modern renters, offering energy-efficient homes managed under a single professional landlord model, enhancing the quality, reliability, and experience of renting in Leeds. The scheme contributes directly to the city’s housing growth ambitions, supporting regeneration and providing much-needed homes in a well-connected location close to transport links, employment hubs, and local amenities. The apartments will achieve an EPC B rating or higher and incorporate renewable energy sources, energy-efficient heating and lighting, and smart in-home technologies. The development’s sustainable and energy-conscious design combines these features to create a low-carbon community that supports Leeds’ ambition to reach net zero carbon by 2038. Key sustainability measures include air source heat pumps, sustainable urban drainage systems, green roofs, and solar panels throughout the scheme. Residents will also benefit from multiple electric vehicle car charging points. Winvic has engaged the local community through careers fairs, site visits – including a tour for the local Cubs – and work experience placements with schools and universities. Opportunities have been created for over 100 local workers, four apprentices, and three placement students. In addition, Winvic is piloting the Standing Tall programme which provides employment opportunities to people who are homeless, supporting them into employment. The project has supported charities such as Yorkshire Children’s Charity, Leeds Mencap and Zarach. Environmental and wellbeing initiatives have also been delivered including Occupational Health Days and tree planting volunteering with Leeds Council. During the ceremony, guests toured the site and viewed the first completed structures, which showcase the quality and scale of the Build to Rent product being delivered. Looking Ahead With Phase 1 now structurally complete, the project moves into internal fit-out and façade works ahead of practical completion in early 2027. PLATFORM_, HGP, and Winvic will continue to collaborate closely to ensure the scheme delivers on its commitment to quality, sustainability, and community impact. Following the fantastic progress made on the first phase, PLATFORM_ will shortly be submitting Reserved Matters planning applications for Phase 2 of Sweetfields. Phase 2 will deliver a further 540 new Build to Rent homes split across two buildings varying in height from 8 to 23 storeys. The buildings will include high-quality resident amenities including a gym, work from home and lounge spaces within the top level of both buildings benefiting from sweeping views of the Leeds City Centre skyline. PLATFORM_ hopes to secure planning permission from Leeds City Council early next year with works scheduled to set to start on-site in early 2027. Sweetfields is set to become one of Leeds’ most significant Build to Rent communities, setting new standards for resident experience and contributing to the city’s growing supply of professionally managed rental housing. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Gracie Group exchanges on £180m GDV Stanmore Gardens development in North West London

Gracie Group exchanges on £180m GDV Stanmore Gardens development in North West London

Gracie Group, a luxury London property developer, has exchanged on Stanmore Gardens, a landmark £180 million GDV residential-led development opportunity in Stanmore town centre, north west London. The acquisition, from Notting Hill Genesis, facilitated by real estate advisor CBRE, marks a major addition to the Group’s expanding £550 million London portfolio of residential and mixed-use projects. Located immediately north of Stanmore Broadway, the 2.58 acre freehold site comprises Anmer Lodger and its ground to the north and Stanmore car park to the south. Identified in the Harrow Local Plan for residential use, the site offers significant potential for a high-quality, design-led town centre scheme. Planning consent was previously secured for residential and retail uses on the site and positive pre-application discussions with the London Borough of Harrow and Greater London Authority have supported the opportunity for an enhanced mixed-use development. The site is within a six-minute walk of Stanmore Underground Station (Jubilee Line) providing direct access to Bond Street in 30 minutes and London Bridge in under 40 minutes, with the M1 and M25 also close by. Stanmore is one of north west London’s most desirable suburbs home to leading schools and surrounded by extensive green space including Stanmore Country Park and Bentley Prior Open Space. Gennaro D’Alo, Development Director of Gracie Group said: “Stanmore Gardens represents an exceptional opportunity to deliver a transformative residential-led development that will enhance the surrounding area. With our robust land fund and a £550 million portfolio already under management, this acquisition underlines our ambition to invest in places with long-term potential and strong community value.” Jonathan Allen, Senior Director, CBRE said: “Stanmore Gardens is a significant town centre site with potential for regeneration. Its location, transport connectivity and established planning context make it a prime opportunity for a residential-led scheme of real quality.” The acquisition follows the launch of the Gracie Group brand earlier this year which unveiled a £550 million portfolio of mixed-use and residential-led projects across London and the South East. The purchase of Stanmore Gardens further demonstrates the Group’s commitment to delivering sustainable, design-focused developments in key growth locations. For more information about Gracie Group visit https://graciegroup.co.uk/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Work starts on final phase of £200 million Coventry regeneration project

Work starts on final phase of £200 million Coventry regeneration project

Work on the sixth and final phase of a transformative regeneration project in the heart of Coventry has begun, creating more than 1,000 new homes for local residents. Delivered by top 10 housebuilder, Keepmoat, the latest phase at the Spirit Quarters development will create 190 new homes, with 90 designated for affordable housing in partnership with leading housing association, Citizen. The flagship regeneration project has created more than 1,000 homes to date, with the latest phase taking the total above 1,200 multi-tenure new homes. Since 2010, the large-scale project has created multiple local jobs and apprenticeship opportunities, supporting the local economy and supply chain whilst bringing lasting change to the community. Ben Leather, Regional Managing Director at Keepmoat, West Midlands, comments: “At Keepmoat, we’re committed to building communities and transforming lives. Leading this significant transformation, creating much-needed housing for local people and contributing to the city’s housing targets, is a testament to that commitment.  “As we approach the milestone of more than 1,200 homes and near the conclusion of the building work, we are delighted to see the thriving community that has been created and look forward to welcoming the next phase of residents to Spirit Quarters. This ambitious development is also a key example of our robust partnership model, collaborating with Coventry Council, Citizen and Moat House Community Trust to create high-quality, multi-tenure homes in the area.” Cllr Seyi Agboola, Deputy Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities at Coventry City Council added: “It’s really great to see the latest stage of this housing project get underway. These will be good standard homes that are affordable for local people to be able to enjoy. “I’m also pleased that a number of the homes will be social housing – I hope this can have long term benefits for the area.” Phase six of Spirit Quarter is set to be completed in 2030.  Kevin Roach, Director of Regeneration Services at Citizen Housing, added: “It’s fantastic news to see work starting on the latest and final phase of Spirit Quarters. From day one, the community has led and influenced the project and by working with our partners Keepmoat, Moat House Community Trust and Coventry City Council, we are pleased and proud to have delivered their vision that has and will make a positive difference to the lives of residents and the community. “We’re looking forward to seeing work progress at this site and in time, welcoming customers to the homes.” Dianne Williams, Chief Executive of Moat House Community Trust, said: “It’s so exciting to see more new, much-needed homes transforming the area and contributing to a growing and thriving community.” Keepmoat is a top 10 UK partnership homebuilder with a track-record of delivering quality homes in regions across the UK. To date, Keepmoat has built over 35,000 homes, transforming brownfield sites into thriving new communities.  To find out more, please visit: https://www.keepmoat.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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£250m Beckton Clean-Up to Kickstart New Riverside Neighbourhood

£250m Beckton Clean-Up to Kickstart New Riverside Neighbourhood

A major regeneration scheme in East London has taken a decisive step forward after Berkeley Group secured full planning consent for a £250 million clean-up of the former Beckton gasworks site. The investment, led by its St William business, will pave the way for the delivery of 2,900 new homes as part of the ambitious Beckton Riverside development. The 30-acre site, which has lain derelict since the 1960s, forms one of the largest brownfield regeneration opportunities in the capital. The extensive remediation and enabling works will prepare the land for transformation into a vibrant new community, complete with housing, green spaces, and modern infrastructure. Dean Summers, managing director of St James & St William, described the milestone as a major step towards realising the long-term vision for Beckton Riverside. “This marks a significant step forward for this complex, long-term regeneration site. There is still a long way to go to bring this project into delivery, and we continue to work closely with the council, GLA, Homes England, and local stakeholders to develop a viable scheme that unlocks the site’s enormous potential,” he said. The £250 million initial phase will see Berkeley Group remediate contaminated land, enhance flood defences, and deliver key infrastructure improvements to support future phases of the project. Plans also include the creation of a riverside park, community facilities, and a series of connected public spaces, opening up a new stretch of the Thames waterfront that has been closed off to the public for decades. Summers added that unlocking the Beckton site could act as a catalyst for wider investment in the surrounding area and strengthen the case for the proposed DLR extension to Beckton and Thamesmead. If all goes to plan, construction on the first homes is expected to begin in 2028, with residents moving in by 2030. The Beckton Riverside project represents a cornerstone in East London’s regeneration story, transforming a disused industrial site into a sustainable new neighbourhood. Once complete, it will deliver thousands of homes, boost local employment, and breathe new life into one of London’s most strategically significant riverside locations. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Homebuilder submits plans for more than 500 new homes across the Midlands

Homebuilder submits plans for more than 500 new homes across the Midlands

Midlands-based homebuilder Spitfire Homes has submitted plans for 521 new homes across the Midlands, advancing its strategic growth in the region.  Proposals submitted in the past month are led by a statement scheme of 136 new homes in Balsall Common, Solihull, alongside a further 50 properties at the site of a former police station in Harborne, and a collection of 47 homes in the Worcestershire village of Belbroughton, all forming part of Spitfire’s Bespoke Collection.  There are also plans for 127 homes at Little Impney, Droitwich, where Spitfire is working with applicant Impney Ltd on the residential element of a mixed use scheme that will regenerate the 140-acre Impney Estate. Additional applications include 113 homes in the Cotswold village of Broadway and 48 new homes adjacent to the homebuilder’s existing collection, Pembleton, in Kislingbury, Northamptonshire. These applications represent a significant step forward in Spitfire’s ambition to deliver a broad range of high-quality, sustainable homes tailored to the needs of local communities. The schemes will also contribute to regional employment, supporting more than 1,800 jobs across the supply chain. Matt Vincent, Operation Director at Spitfire Homes, said: “Submitting these planning applications is an important milestone in our ongoing growth plans across the Midlands. Our proposals would deliver more than 500 high-quality new homes across the region, offering a diverse mix of properties tailored for first-time buyers, growing families, and downsizers seeking style and comfort without compromise. “We remain dedicated to investing in the Midlands through delivering homes that are both beautifully designed and energy efficient. As with all our collections, we’re committed to creating places where communities can thrive and we look forward to working closely with local authorities to help bring these exciting schemes to life.” The announcement comes amid new data from the Home Builders Federation (HBF) showing that planning permissions for new homes have dropped to their lowest level since 2012.  Just 44,520 homes were granted permission in England during Q2 2025, a 17% fall year-on-year and the tenth consecutive quarter of decline. Only 1,410 sites were approved between April and June, with just 8,200 sites gaining approval over the past 12 months, less than half the 2019 total. Vincent added:  “These latest figures underscore the scale of the challenge in meeting national housing targets. With housing delivery holding steady at around 200,000 homes a year, we remain some way off the 1.5 million homes pledged for this parliamentary term. “However, underlying demand for high-quality homes remains strong and as a forward-thinking SME, we’re able to offer a premium product that stands out for its design, efficiency and flexibility. Planning delays remain a challenge but as the market continues to evolve, we see a real opportunity to keep innovating and deliver homes that better reflect the needs and expectations of today’s buyers.” To find out more about Spitfire Homes, please visit https://spitfirehomes.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Druids Heath reboot: £1bn plan clears way for 3,500 homes and a new high street

Druids Heath reboot: £1bn plan clears way for 3,500 homes and a new high street

Birmingham City Council has granted outline consent for the £1bn regeneration of the Druids Heath estate, unlocking a long-term masterplan that will deliver 3,500 homes and a comprehensive renewal of this south Birmingham community. Around 1,785 homes — 51% of the total — are set to be affordable, with 400 for social rent in the first phase. The balance will be delivered through a partnership between the council, Lovell and Homes England, blending mixed-tenure housing with social infrastructure to support growth over the next decade. The proposals go far beyond replacement housing. The masterplan introduces a new local high street, later-living homes, sports and community facilities, generous green spaces and upgraded transport links. Streets will be reconnected and public realm improved to prioritise walking, cycling and access to services, aiming to knit Druids Heath more closely into the wider city. Lovell, named last month as preferred development partner, is now working with the council to finalise a partnership agreement. Due to be signed in spring 2026, the agreement will unlock full funding and signal the start of construction. Phasing will target early delivery of affordable homes alongside enabling infrastructure and community assets, with design guidelines expected to drive quality, sustainability and energy efficiency across all plots. Cllr Brennan, cabinet member for housing and homelessness, said the programme will deliver “51% affordable housing, amounting to nearly 1,800 homes,” and confirmed that “every existing council tenant who wants to stay will be provided for.” He added that 68% of residents engaged through consultation supported the plans, which will help Birmingham meet its wider target of 51,100 new homes by 2031. For the construction and property supply chain, the project represents a major, multi-year pipeline across demolition, remediation, new build and public realm, with opportunities to embed modern methods of construction, low-carbon materials and high-performance building fabric. The council and Lovell are expected to emphasise skills, apprenticeships and local employment, alongside biodiversity gains and high-quality landscape to support health and wellbeing. With consent secured and a clear delivery structure taking shape, Druids Heath is set for a reset: new, affordable homes paired with a walkable heart, community facilities and greener streets — a blueprint for estate regeneration built around quality, inclusion and longevity. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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